Continuous pressing machine for textile fabric

ABSTRACT

Continuous pressing machine provided with a heating cylinder and at least one pressing bed member having an arched concave surface facing said cylinder. While turning on its own axis, the axis of the cylinder moves with a planetary motion around the geometrical center of an assumed cylindrical surface a portion of which is defined by the arched concave surface of the bed member so that the cylinder rolls upon the arched concave surface of the bed member without slip. The bed member is urged toward the cylinder under a predetermined pressure. The cylinder and the bed member are maintained at a predetermined temperature during the operation. A fabric is fed into a space between the cylinder and the bed member.

Inoue et a1.

[ 1 Feb. 12, 1974 1 CONTINUOUS PRESSING MACHINE FOR TEXTILE FABRIC I [75] Inventors: Katsumi lnoue, Suzuka; Motokichi Fujiwara, Yokkaichi, both of Japan [73] Assignee: Toyobo Co., Ltd, Osaka, Japan [22] Filed: Nov. 17, 1972 [21-] Appl. No.2 307,532

' 7/1968 Kemp 38/56 6/1970 Oberley ..38/56 Primary Examiner-Geo. V. Larkin Attorney, Agent, or FirmEric H. Waters et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT Continuous pressing machine provided with a heating cylinder and at least one pressing bed member having an arched concave surface facing said cylinder. While turning on its own axis, the axis of the cylinder moves with a planetary motion around the geometrical center of an assumed cylindrical surface a portion of which is defined by the arched concave surface of the bed member so that the cylinder rolls upon the arched concave surface of the bed member without slip. The bed member is urged toward the cylinder under a predetermined pressure. The cylinder and the bed member are maintained at a predetermined temperature during the operation. A fabric is fed into a space between the cylinder and the bed member.

8 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 12, 1974 3,791,056

10 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Feb.v 12, 1974 l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 12, 1974 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented FB. 12, 1974 i0 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented F eb. 1Z, 1974 3,791,056

10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Feb. l2, 1974 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented! Feb. 12,1974 I 3,791,@56

10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented Feb. 12, 1974 3,791,056

10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Feb. 12, 1974 3,791,056

10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Feb. 12,1974 "3,791,056

10 Sheets-Sheet 1O FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a continuous pressing machine for textile fabrics such as woven, knitted, nonwoven and felt fabrics.

BACKGROUND It is well known that the clean cut finishes of all textile fabrics, particularly those made of woolen or worsted yarn are pressed in order to make them solid, smooth and of good appearance. In general, however, the pressing finish for worsted may be regarded as the counterpart to calendering in the cotton and linen trade, and it is essential that the goods should be properly conditioned beforehand. In the conventional pressing process, two types of pressing machines have been alternatively used. One of them is the vertical pressing machine, while the other is the rotary pressing machine. In the vertical press,,the entire piece is pressed at one time while folded, with electrically-heated presspapers between the folds. The papers are made of glazed carboard with a resistance-metal lining and projecting tabs and are inserted by hand as the fabric is folded mechanically. The pile of papered fabric is then transferred to the press and the tabs connected by clips to the electric supply. Pressure is then applied. After a predetermined time of heating under pressure, that is, after completion of the pressing operation, the fabric is then refolded so that the overlapping edges at the first pressing are placed in the middle, and the pressing process is repeated.

Consequently, the vertical pressing operation requires'much time and, further, there is a certain possibility of creating a defect in appearance caused by irregular, luster.

In order to reduce the above-mentioned drawbacks, a continuous flat pressing machine, which is 'well known as a I-Iattersley RicKard continuous fiat pressing machine, was developed. This machine is widely used in the world. However, the above-mentioned drawback in the appearance of the pressed fabric still remains.

The rotary pressing machine comprises a steamheated cylinder which fits into a hollow of a steamheated bed. The fabric is carried through the pressing machine by the rotation of the cylinder and pressure is exerted by pressing the bed against the cylinder. The pressing operation is continuously carried out. However, it is well known that the rotary press is not used for the highest qualities of fabric, because of the stretch which is given to the fabric. Further, pressed fabrics are sometimes found to have excessive luster and a paper feel which may be removed by gentle steaming.

In order to make cotton or rayon fabrics firm, solid and smooth, a so-called calender roll-system is applied. In this process, the fabric is moved by contacting a plurality of calender rolls and is pressed by a pair of calender rolls which are urged against each other while the fabric is passing through them. Consequently, it is easy to press the fabric under very high pressure. However, as the fabric is pressed instantaneously at the nip line of these calender rolls, if the fabric is made of textile fibers having a high elastic recovering property, like wool fiber, the pressed condition of the fabric recovers soon. In other words, the pressing of wool fabric by this calender roll system is not effective.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The principal object of the present invention is to provide a continuous pressing machine whereby the above-mentioned drawbacks can be eliminated.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a continuous pressing machine which can be used for finishing high quality fabric.

With the machine according to the present invention, the pressing operation is carried out in a way somewhat similar to the vertical pressing operation, rather than the rotary press. Consequently, frictional contact between the pressing plate and the fabric can be avoided. As the fabric can be continuously carried in one direction during the pressing operation, and there is no need to fold the fabric, the drawback caused by folding the fabric in the conventional vertical pressing operation can be eliminated.

The main portion of the continuous pressing machine according to the present invention comprises a heating cylinder and at least one heated pressing bed disposed below the heating cylinder. In case a plurality of pressing beds are utilized, these beds are arranged in combination so as to form a continuous arched surface concaved inside. The radius of curvature of this arched surface is larger than the radius of the round outside surface of the heating cylinder. A thin pressing plate having a smooth surface is disposed so as to cover the en tire arched surface of the pressing beds. The heating cylinder is driven by a driving mechanism so as to roll upon the metal pressing plate without idle slip therebetween. Consequently a particular driving mechanism is applied to the continuous pressing machine according to the present invention. That is, while the heating cylinder is turned on its own axis, the axis of the heating cylinder moves along a small inside imaginary cylindrical surface having an axis which coincides with an axis of a large outside imaginary cylinder, a portion of which is defined by the arched concave surfaces of the bed members, in such a condition that the heating cylinder rolls without slip on the entire arched surface formed by the metal pressing plate which covers the arched surfaces of the pressing beds. The abovementioned motion of the heating cylinder is hereafter referred to as planetary motion of the heating cylinder. Consequently,.the fabric is pressed between the heating cylinder andthe metal pressing plate while it is continuously being carried toward the delivery of the machine according to the above mentioned planetary motion of the heating cylinder. The time required for carrying out the pressing operation can be changed by changing the gear ratio of the driving mechanism, while the pressure for the operation can bechosen by the output of pressure means applied to the pressing beds. Instead of applying a plurality of heating beds, a single heating bed having the same inside arched surface can be used. In this case, if a single heating bed having a very smooth inside arched surface is utilized, the above mentioned pressing plate can be omitted.

As a result of the above described construction and operation of the present invention, a fabric fed into the main part of the machine is provided with very gentle pressing when the heating cylinder rolls upon the arched inside surface of the metallic plate or pressing bed itself, while the fabric is continuously moved in the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the continuous pressing machine according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the continuous pressing machine according to the present invention,

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view, partly in section, of a main portion of the continuous pressing machine shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view, partly in section, of the pressing beds of the machine shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a gear mechanism of the main portion of the machine shown in FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is a gear diagram of the gear mechanism shown in FIG. 5, and

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G and 7H are explanatory drawings illustrating the pressing operation utilizing the continuous pressing machine according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A typical embodiment of the continuous pressing machine according to the present invention is disclosed in the attached drawings. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the continuous pressing machine of the invention comprises: means for pressing a fabric, which is designated by a reference numeral 1; a mechanism 2 for feeding the continuous fabric into the pressing means I; a mechanism 3 for delivering the finished fabric from the pressing means 1, and; a driving mechanism 4 for driving the pressing means 1. All of these mechanisms or means are held by a machine frame 5. The pressing means 1 comprises a rotatable heating cylinder 6 and three heated pressing beds 7 by which the underside surface portion of the heating cylinder 6 is surrounded. A gear mechanism 9 is disposed on both axial sides of the heating cylinder 6 so as to drive the heating cylinder 6 in the manner of planetary motion. Each heat pressing bed 7 is provided with an arched surface concaved upward, and the radius of curvature of this arched surface is larger than the radius of the outside round surface of the heating cylinder 6. Each heat pressing bed 7 is displaceably supported by piston rods of a pair of hydraulic cylinders 8, which are rigidly supported by the machine frame 5, so that the heat pressing bed 7 is capable of being urged toward the heating cylinder 6 under a predetermined pressure defined by the hydraulic cylinders 8. To prevent excess displacement of each pressing bed 7 toward the heating cylinder 6, a pair of horizontal arms 7a, 7b are rigidly connected thereto. A plurality of stop members (not shown) are rigidly supported by the machine frame 5 so as to restrict the inward displacement of each pressing bed 7 in such a way that, when the pressing beds 7 are displaced toward the heating cylinder 6 the horizontal arms 7A and 7B of each bed 7 contact the stop members so that the arched inside surface of each bed 7 is positioned at a little inside of the large outsideimaginary cylindrical surface having the same radius of curvatures as that of the arched surface of each pressing bed 7. This radius is determined as hereinafter described in detail. However, for the sake of explanation here, it needs only be said that the radius of the abovementioned outside-imaginary cylindrical surface is larger than that of the outer cylindrical surface of the heating cylinder 6.

The heating cylinder 6 is a hollow cylinder provided with a heating jacket 6a which is formed inside thereof I and is connected to a first connecting pipe 6b. The connecting pipe 6b passes through an axial shaft 6d of the heating cylinder 6 and is connected to a supply source of a heating medium such as superheated steam. The jacket 6a is also connected to a second connecting pipe 6c which works to discharge the heating medium therefrom. The pipe 60 also passes through the shaft 6d. Each pressing bed 7 is provided with an inside chamber which is connected to a heating-medium supply pipe 7d and a drain extracting pipe 7e, and the pipe 7d is connected to a supply source of a heating medium such as superheated steam. Consequently, the surface temperature of the heating cylinder 6 and the heat pressing beds 7 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature.

A thin metallic pressing plate 44 having the same curvature as the arched surface of the heated pressing beds 7 is disposed upon the confined arched surface of the beds 7 as shown in FIG. 4. The metallic plate 44 consists of a main portion 44a which covers the beds 7 and a pair of outwardly curved portions 44b, 44c formed at both ends thereof. The terminal of the curved portion 44b is supported by a horizontal rod 35 which is rigidly supported by the machine frame 5.

To attain the particular condition for pressing the fabric, the relative motion of the heating cylinder 6 to the heat pressing beds 7 is particularly important and will now be described. As explained hereinbefore, the heating cylinder 6 rolls on the arched surface of the thin metallic pressing plate 44 according to the planetary motion thereof. That is, while the heating cylinder is turned without slip on its own axis (the axial center thereof is hereinafter designated as O) the axis of the heating cylinder 6 moves along a small inside imaginary cylindrical surface having an axis which has an axial center common with the axis of a large outside imaginary cylinder, a portion of which is defined by the arched concave surfaces of the pressing beds 7. The above-mentioned common axial center is hereinafter represented by O. In the actual machine, it is required that a locus of a cylindrical surface defined by the outermost point reached in the movement of the heating cylinder 6 measured from the imaginary axis 0' have a l to 2 mm larger radius of curvature than the radius of the above-mentioned large outer imaginary cylindrical surface, a portion of which is defined by the arched surface of the pressing beds 7. Otherwise, it is impossible to provide the necessary pressure upon the fabric for pressing the fabric. To attain the above-mentioned planetary motion of the heating cylinder 6, a particular gear mechanism is designed as hereinafter described in detail. A pair of gear mechanisms 9 are provided on the outside of both ends of the heating cylinder 6. To simplify the explanation, only one of the gear mechanism 9 is explained hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, a disc 1 1 is rigidly mounted on the shaft 6d and a hollow disc 12 is rotatably mounted on the disc 11. In order to rotate the hollow disc 12 smoothly about the disc 11, a bearing means 17 may be inserted between the disc 11 and the hollow inside surface of the disc 12. The central axis of the disc 11 which is, the central axis of the shaft 6d in FIG. 5 is eccentrically disposed from the central axis of the outer round surface of the disc 12. In the abovementioned relative arrangement of the discs 1 l and 12, it is required that (L L be slightly larger than D. Where L, is the distance between the above-mentioned axes O and L is the outside radius of the heating cylinder 6 and D is a radius of the above-mentioned assumed cylindrical surface. The hollow disc 12 is provided with an external gear 12a formed on the outer round surface thereof and the disposition of the axial center of the external gear 12a coincides with the axial center (0').

Three pinions 13a, 13b, 13b are supported by the corresponding horizontal shafts 14a, 14b, 14b rotatably mounted on the machine frame 5. Roller bearings, which support these shafts 14a, 14b, 14b, are arranged in an equilateral disposition with respect to the abovementioned axial center (0). This arrangement is shown in FIG. 5. Covers 140 of the bearing for supporting these shafts 14a, 14b are shown in FIG. 1. The external gear 12a of the hollow disc 12 meshes with the three pinions 13a, 13b, 13b. Consequently the shaft 6d, that is the heating cylinder 6, is indirectly supported by these three pinions 13a, 13b, 13b by way of the abovementioned gearing. If the pinion 13a is positively driven, the hollow disc 12 is rotated about the axial center 0'. A large gear 15 is rigidly mounted on the shaft 6d and the radius of the pitch circle of this gear 15 is equal to the radius of the outer round surface of the heating cylinder 6. An internal gear 16 is rigidly mounted on the machine frame in such a way that the axial center of the assumed axis thereof coincides with the axial center 0. The radius of the pitch circle of this internal gear 16 is slightly larger than the radius of the imaginary outside .cylindrical surface a portion of which is defined by the arched concave surface of the pressing beds 7. The disposition of this internal gear 16 is so designed that the large gear meshes therewith. Consequently, if the hollow disc 12 is positively driven, the axial center 0 of the shaft 6d of the heating cylinder 6 is moved along a locus of a circle (X) about the axial centerO as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7H. The large gear 15 meshes with the internal gear 16 in such a way that the meshing point moves according to the displacement of the geometrical center (0) of the heating cylinder 6 along the locus of a circle X, while the heating cylinder 6 is rotated about the axial center (0). In other words, the rotational axis of the heating cylinder 6 is displaced along a curved passage defined by the abovementioned locus of circle X and simultaneously rotated about the shaft 6a.

As already explained, the radius of the outer round surface of the heating cylinder 6 is l to 2 mm larger than the radius of the assumed cylindrical surface defined by the arched concave surface of the heat pressing beds 7. Consequently, when the hollow disc 12 is positively driven by the rotation of the pinion 13a, the heating cylinder 6 is displaced along the eccentric locus X about the axial center (0') while rotating about its own axis. In the above-mentioned motion, when the heating cylinder 6 passes the region defined by the heat pressing beds 7, the cylinder 6 rolls without slipping upon the arched surface of the beds 7 which are urged toward the cylinder at that point. If the hollow disc 12 turns counterclockwise in FIGS. 2 and 5 as represented by an arrow A, the shaft 6d of the heating cylinder 6 is displaced counterclockwise along the eccentric locus about the axial center (0') while the heating cylinder 6 is rotated clockwise about the rotational axis thereof, because the large gear meshes with the internal gear 16.

A sprocket wheel 18 is rigidly mounted on the shaft 14a. Driving mechanism 4 comprises a drive motor 19 and a reduction gear mechanism 20 which is driven by the drive motor 19 via a chain drive mechanism. The chain drive mechanism comprises a sprocket wheel 21a, rigidly mounted on a motor shaft 190, a chain wheel 21b, rigidly mounted on an input shaft 22 of the reduction gear mechanism 20, and an endless chain 21C. A sprocket wheel 23 is rigidly mounted on an output shaft 230 of the reduction gear mechanism 20. The output of the reduction gear mechanism 20 is transmitted to the sprocket wheel 18 by way of an endless chain 24. In this embodiment, a guide or idle roll 25 is utilized for tensioning the endless chain 24.

In the feeding mechanism 2, a guide roll 26 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 26a supported by a pair of rearwardly projected brackets 27. A pair of air cylinders 28 are supported by brackets (not shown) secured to the machine frame 5.'A first guide roll is rotatably mounted on a shaft 30a supported by bearings (not shown). Each bearing is mounted on an end of piston 29 which is horizontally urged toward the heating cylinder 6, and consequently the first guide roll 30 is always urged against the heating cylinder 6. A pair of brackets 34 are rigidly mounted on the machine frame 5. A bottom delivery roll 36 is secured to a shaft 36a which is rotatably supported by a pair of bearings (not shown) mounted on the respective brackets 34. An upper delivery roll 37 is secured to a shaft 37a in the same way as the roll 36, and the roll 37 is always urged against the roll 36 so as to form a firm grip-line therebetween. A variable speed motor 40 is mounted on a horizontal bracket 41 secured to the machine frame 5. A pulley 38 is secured to ,a motor shaft 40a and transmits its motion to a pulley 39 secured to the shaft 36a via an endless belt 42. A pair of air cylinders 31 are mounted on the machine frame 5 and a guide roll 33 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 33a which is supported by bearings (not shown) in the same manner as the shaft 30a.'

Consequently, the roll 33 is always urged against the heating cylinder 6 by way of the piston rods 32 of the air cylinder 31. An opened reserve chamber 43 is formed at a position under the delivery side of the rolls 36 and 37. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the air cylinders 28 and 31 are used for urging the rolls 30 and 33 against the heating cylinder 6; however a spring mechanism may be used instead of the air cylinders 28 and 31. i

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of pressing beds 7 are utilized to make a combined arched surface; however a single pressing bed having a similar surface to the combined arched surface can be applied.

The pressing operation by the machine shown in FIG. 1 is hereinafter illustrated. The relative position of the heating cylinder 6 to the pressing bed 7 is gradually changed according to the relative position of the axial center of the heating cylinder 6 to the axial center (0') of the internal gear 16. These conditions are shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G and 7H.

For the sake of clarity, the steps of a continuous pressing operation will next be explained with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

At the relative position of the centers 0 and 0' shown in FIG. 7A, the axial center 0 of the heating cylinder 6 is eccentrically positioned above the axial center 0' defined by the internal gear 16. The center 0' moves along a locus circle X counterclockwise. In other words, a force to turn the heating cylinder 6 counterclockwise about the center 0 is created. In this condition, a fabric 10 is positioned as shown by a thick solid line and the large gear secured to the shaft 6d of the heating cylinder 6 meshes with the internal gear 16 at a point M. This engagement of the gear 15 with the gear 16 prevents the free turning motion of the heating cylinder 6 about the axial center 0 thereof so that the above-mentioned force creates a reaction force by which the heating cylinder 6 is turned clockwise about the axial center 0.

In accordance with the above-mentioned relations, the planetary motion of the heating cylinder 6 is created. That is, the axial center 0 of the heating cylinder 6 is displaced counterclockwise along the locus of the circle X by means of the gear train composed of the external gear 12a of the hollow disc 12 with the driving pinion 13a and guide pinions 13b; while the heating cylinder 6 is turned clockwise about the axial center 0 thereof by means of meshing the large gear 15 with the internal gear 16. Consequently, the above-mentioned meshing point M is moved counterclockwise along the pitch circle of the internal gear 16. As already explained, the radius of curvature of the combined arched surface of the pressing beds 7 coincides with that of the imaginary outer cylindrical surface, and the axial center of the combined arched surface of the beds 7 coincides with that of the imaginary outer cylindrical surface. Further, a radius of a locus cylindrical surface, defined by the outermost point of the heating cylinder 6 measured from the axial center (0') of the internal gear 16, is l to 2 mm larger than the radius of curvature of the combined arched surface of the pressing beds 7. Consequently, when the heating cylinder 6 moves in the above-mentioned planetary motion, the heating cylinder 6 rolls upon the arched surface of the metallic plate 44 under a predetermined pressure defined by the hydraulic cylinders 8 by way of the pressing beds 7 without slip. As the fabric 10 is positioned between the heating cylinder 6 and the metallic plate 44, the fabric 10 is pressed by the rolling motion of the heating cylinder 6 upon the metallic plate 44. The temperature required to carry out the pressing operation is provided by the heat of the heating cylinder 6 and the pressing beds 7. During the above-mentioned planetary motion of the heating cylinder 6, a certain length of the fabric 10 is displaced forward. This length is equal to a value calculated by a subtraction of the length of the pitch circle of the large gear 15 from the length of the pitch circle of the internal gear 16, for every complete circle movement of the heating cylinder about the axial center (0'). The fabric 10 is always delivered from the delivery rollers 36, 37. However, as the motor 40 is a variable speed motor, the fabric 10 can be delivered from the pressing zone of the machine only when the tension of the fabric 10 is below a predetermined value. As is clearly shown in FIGS. 78, 7C, 7D, 75, 7F, and 7H, the meshing point M is moves along the pitch circle of the internal gear 16 in accordance with the displacement of the shaft 6d of the heating cylinder along the locus of the circle X. However, as the nip point N between the heating cylinder 6 with the metallic plate 44 corresponds to the meshing point M, the nip point N moves along the combined arched surface of the beds 7 in the region where the heat pressing beds 7 are arranged. That is, in the relative condition shown in FIG. 7B, the nip point N is located on an extended line which passes through the geometrical centers 0, 0, where the fabric 10 is pressed under the predetermined pressure. The nip point N moves along the combined arched surface defined by the heat pressing beds 7 as shown in FIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G and 7H, and finally the nip point N moves to a position where the combined arched surface is terminated as shown in FIG. 7H. During the above-mentioned pressing operation, the fabric 10 is displaced by the clockwise turning motion of the heating cylinder 6 and delivered from the machine by the action of the delivery rollers 36, 37. During the period when the heating cylinder 6 moves from a terminal nip point, where the combined arched surface of the beds 7 terminates, to a starting nip point, where the heating cylinder 6 commences to contact the forward terminal of the combined arched surface of the beds 7, the heating cylinder 6 moves in a condition free from the pressing beds 7. Consequently, if the delivery rollers 36, 37 do not work, and the nip points between the heating cylinder 6 and the guide roll 30 or 33 are represented by p or q in FIG. 7A, p or q in FIG. 7H, the fabric 10 having a length (1 -1,) is not in contact with the heating cylinder 6 during the above-mentioned period, where l 1 represents the surface length "p77 or F? of the heating cylinder 6, respectively.

However, in reality, the delivery rollers 36, 37 continuously work and, consequently, the delivery speed of the fabric 10 can be accelerated in the abovementioned period by utilizing the variable speed motor 40. In other words, the delivery speed of the fabric 10 from the machine is periodically changed. According to the above-mentioned delivery motion, the fabric 10 is always in contact with the heating cylinder 6.

As the diameter of the heating cylinder 6 is large, for example, 1 meter, the pressing operation is gradually effected on the fabric 10 at any of the nip points. Therefore, the pressing operationby the machine of the present invention is somewhat similar to the vertical press rather than the rotary press. The fabric 10 is displaced forward continuously by the abovementioned pressing operation; however as already explained, the delivery length (DL) of fabric during one complete circle motion of the heating cylinder 6 along the locus of the circle X is defined by the remainder obtained by subtraction of the pitch circle of the large gear 15 from the pitch circle of the internal gear 16. As the effective length (L) of the combined arched surface of the beds 7 is larger than the delivery length (DL), the fabric 10 is subjected to the pressing operation several times defined by (I ./DL) while passing through the pressing zone. The following data shows one example of the pressing operation carried out by the machine according to the present invention.

Pitch circle of the large gear outer surface of the heating cylinder) radius-50O mm Pitch circle of the internal gear (16) assumed circle corresponds to the combined arched surface of the pressing beds 7) radius-550 mm Delivery length of fabric/one turn of the heating cylinder (6) along the locus of the circle X (2 X 550)1r (2 X 50)1r 314 mm/rev.

Effective length of the combined arched surface of the pressing beds 7 2,300 mm.

Number of nips of pressing operation applied to the fabric (50) during the operation 2.300/314 z 7.3

Production/min (delivery length of fabric/one turn of the heating cylinder along the locus of the circle X) X (number of turns of the heating cylinder along the locus of the circle X) 314 mm X (number of turns of the heating cylinder along the locus of the circle X) As is clear from the above-mentioned data, the pro duction speed of the machine can be changed according to the turning speed of the heating cylinder along the locus of the circle X which can be adjusted by changing the gear ratio of the pinion 13a with the external gear 12a of the hollow disc 12, or driving speed of the pinion 13a. However, in any condition, it is important to consider the time required for carrying out the pressing operation so as to maintain the desired quality of finished fabric.

What is claimed is:

1. A continuous pressing machine to press a continuous fabric under a predetermined temperature and pressure, comprising a frame,

a heating cylinder having an outer surface and a central axis maintained at a predetermined temperature,

a pressing bed member having a concave arched smooth surface coinciding with part of an imaginary outside cylindrical surface having a larger radius of curvature than the outer surface of said heating cylinder,

driving means for driving said heating cylinder to displace the central axis thereof along an imaginary small inside cylindrical surface having a central axis common with that of said imaginary outside cylindrical surface while turning said heating cylinders on the axis thereof so that said heating cylinder rolls without slip on said concaved smooth surface of said pressing bed member,

conduit means for supplying heating medium to said pressing bed member,

urging means for urging said pressing bed member against said heating cylinder while rolling said heating cylinder on said concave arched surface of said pressing bed member,

feeding means for feeding said continuous fabric into a space between said heating cylinder and said pressing bed member,

delivering means for continuously delivering said fabric from said space, pressing of fabric being carried out by the rolling of said heating cylinder upon said pressing bed member under the predetermined temperature and pressure without slip, said urging means, feeding means, delivery means, driving means being disposed on said frame, said heating cylinder being supported by said driving means,

and said pressing bed member being supported by said urging means.

2. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said driving means to drive the heating cylinder comprises a shaft fixed to said heating cylinder, a pair of gear mechanisms mounted on both outside portions of said shaft, each gear mechanism comprising a disc coaxially secured to said shaft, a hollow disc slidably eccentrically mounted on said disc and including an external gear on an outside round surface thereof, a large gear coaxially secured to said shaft, a stationary internal gear mounted on said frame in coaxial relation to the central axis of said imaginary outside cylindrical surface and in eccentric relation to the central axis of said heating cylinder so that said large gear meshes therewith, a plurality of horizontal shafts, a plurality of pinions rotatably mounted on corresponding of said horizontal shafts in meshing relation with said external gear formed on said hollow disc, the radius of pitch circle of said internal gear being equal to that of said large gear and outer round surface of said heating cylinder, and a drive mechanism to drive one of said pinions positively, said horizontal shafts being mounted on said frame.

3. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, comprising shafts connected to said heating cylinder and a heat medium source and wherein said heating cylinder includes a hollow cylindrical jacket formed therein and a supply conduit for supplying said heat medium and a discharging conduit for discharging said heat medium from said jacket, said supply conduit passing through one of said shafts and being connected to said heat-medium source, said discharging conduit passing through the other of said shafts.

4. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said pressing bed member comprises a plurality of divided beds having arched concaved surfaces forming a portion of said concaved arched smooth surfaces, respectively, a metallic plate having an arched concaved surface disposed upon said plurality pressing bed, each of said beds being provided with a hollow chamber forming a heating jacket therein, said metallic plate'fitting against said pressing beds.

5. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said pressing bed member is a continuous pressing bed.

6. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said urging means comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders rigidly mounted on said frame and including a piston rod rigidly supporting said pressing bed member, and a plurality of stop members secured to said frame to restrict the displacement of said pressing bed member toward said heating cylinder.

7. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said feeding means includes a feed roller disposed at an entrance to said frame, a pair of air cylinders including piston rods and horizontally mounted on said frame, a pair of bearings mounted on corresponding of said piston rods, and a guide roll rotatably supported by said bearings in urged relation toward said heating cylinder.

8. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said delivery means comprises a pair of air cylinders including piston rods and horizontally mounted on said frame at a delivery side thereof, a pair of bearings mounted on corresponding of said piston rods, a guide roll rotatably supported by said bearings in urged relation against said heating cylinder, a variable speed motor mounted on said frame at a delivery side thereof, and a pair of delivery rollers disposed outside of said guide roll, one of said delivery rollers being positively driven by said motor. 

1. A continuous pressing machine to press a continuous fabric under a predetermined temperature and pressure, comprising a frame, a heating cylinder having an outer surface and a central axis maintained at a predetermined temperature, a pressing bed member having a concave arched smooth surface coinciding with part of an imaginary outside cylindrical surface having a larger radius of curvature than the outer surface of said heating cylinder, driving means for driving said heating cylinder to displace the central axis thereof along an imaginary small inside cylindrical surface having a central axis common with that of said imaginarY outside cylindrical surface while turning said heating cylinders on the axis thereof so that said heating cylinder rolls without slip on said concaved smooth surface of said pressing bed member, conduit means for supplying heating medium to said pressing bed member, urging means for urging said pressing bed member against said heating cylinder while rolling said heating cylinder on said concave arched surface of said pressing bed member, feeding means for feeding said continuous fabric into a space between said heating cylinder and said pressing bed member, delivering means for continuously delivering said fabric from said space, pressing of fabric being carried out by the rolling of said heating cylinder upon said pressing bed member under the predetermined temperature and pressure without slip, said urging means, feeding means, delivery means, driving means being disposed on said frame, said heating cylinder being supported by said driving means, and said pressing bed member being supported by said urging means.
 2. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said driving means to drive the heating cylinder comprises a shaft fixed to said heating cylinder, a pair of gear mechanisms mounted on both outside portions of said shaft, each gear mechanism comprising a disc coaxially secured to said shaft, a hollow disc slidably eccentrically mounted on said disc and including an external gear on an outside round surface thereof, a large gear coaxially secured to said shaft, a stationary internal gear mounted on said frame in coaxial relation to the central axis of said imaginary outside cylindrical surface and in eccentric relation to the central axis of said heating cylinder so that said large gear meshes therewith, a plurality of horizontal shafts, a plurality of pinions rotatably mounted on corresponding of said horizontal shafts in meshing relation with said external gear formed on said hollow disc, the radius of pitch circle of said internal gear being equal to that of said large gear and outer round surface of said heating cylinder, and a drive mechanism to drive one of said pinions positively, said horizontal shafts being mounted on said frame.
 3. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, comprising shafts connected to said heating cylinder and a heat medium source and wherein said heating cylinder includes a hollow cylindrical jacket formed therein and a supply conduit for supplying said heat medium and a discharging conduit for discharging said heat medium from said jacket, said supply conduit passing through one of said shafts and being connected to said heat-medium source, said discharging conduit passing through the other of said shafts.
 4. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said pressing bed member comprises a plurality of divided beds having arched concaved surfaces forming a portion of said concaved arched smooth surfaces, respectively, a metallic plate having an arched concaved surface disposed upon said plurality pressing bed, each of said beds being provided with a hollow chamber forming a heating jacket therein, said metallic plate fitting against said pressing beds.
 5. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said pressing bed member is a continuous pressing bed.
 6. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said urging means comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders rigidly mounted on said frame and including a piston rod rigidly supporting said pressing bed member, and a plurality of stop members secured to said frame to restrict the displacement of said pressing bed member toward said heating cylinder.
 7. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said feeding means includes a feed roller disposed at an entrance to said frame, a pair of air cylinders including piston rods and horizontally mounted on said frame, a pair of bearings mounted on corresponding of said piston rods, and a guide roll rotatably supported by said bearings in urged relation toward said heating cylinder.
 8. A continuous pressing machine according to claim 1, wherein said delivery means comprises a pair of air cylinders including piston rods and horizontally mounted on said frame at a delivery side thereof, a pair of bearings mounted on corresponding of said piston rods, a guide roll rotatably supported by said bearings in urged relation against said heating cylinder, a variable speed motor mounted on said frame at a delivery side thereof, and a pair of delivery rollers disposed outside of said guide roll, one of said delivery rollers being positively driven by said motor. 